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4 REASONS WHY WE LOVE ONLINE SHOPPING

Rachel Stevenson
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4 REASONS WHY WE LOVE ONLINE SHOPPING

Let’s face it, every time we receive an email about a “Limited Period Offer” or when a scheduled online sale date approaches, we can’t help but grab our credit cards and head over to the ecommerce app on our phone or fire up the old laptop for a visit to the site. However, what is it exactly that we love so much about online shopping? Is it the deals or the convenience of it all? Could it be because we love the anticipation? We think it’s the combination of everything really. Read on to see if you can agree with the reasons mentioned, here or if you have completely different reasons of your own.

The Anticipation

There is no denying the sense of anticipation and excitement we have all felt after ordering a particularly coveted item online. There is a sense of euphoria when the trademark printed boxes from the ecommerce site finally arrives. Then there’s the unboxing experience where we carefully remove all the packaging to reveal something we liked, paid for and even waited a while for before receiving! In our opinion, this is definitely one of the most underappreciated bonuses of shopping online.

Read: 5 ideal ways to stretch your money further with these simple online shopping tips

So Many Deals!

Offline shops have their own advantages, but they just can’t beat their online counterparts in terms of deals, discounts, offers, cashbacks and coupons. There is always something going on in some section of an online retailer. The bottom line is that if you shop online, you will probably end up saving money most of the time. When you are able to buy everything you like from one place and get a bargain while doing so, it’s hard not to fall in love with shopping on the internet.

The Convenience

Nothing lifts the mood like shopping! But what if you are feeling blue and you don’t want to go outside? Thanks to the multitude of ecommerce sites, you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your bed (and the gloom of your room) to binge shop. Irrespective of whether you are sick, sad or just can’t go out of the house, it’s all just a click or a tap away from being delivered right to your doorstep.

Read: 4 steps to providing the IDEAL online shopping experience

Endless Browsing

The best part of online shopping is that browsing and shopping on the internet has no limits. The shop is never closed and as long as you can find the time, you can spend hours online, scouring through hundreds of items across multiple categories to find that one thing you can’t live without. The feeling is almost like finding hidden treasure – and who doesn’t love a treasure hunt?

You probably knew about these already, but it’s always good to be assured that the credit card bill you received from last month’s online shopping is (kind of) justified. Another often neglected positive aspect of buying online is the exchange policies, which are fantastic. Amazon for example, has an amazing return policy where you can try out a lot of the items for a limited amount of time before deciding whether you want to keep using it, ask for a replacement, or your money back.

4 IDEAL TIMELESS SPRING JACKETS

Rachel Stevenson
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4 IDEAL TIMELESS SPRING JACKETS

The awkward time of the year has finally arrived: it’s too warm to be wrapped in layer upon layer of knitwear but too cold to strut around in a T-shirt. The answer? A timeless spring jacket that you can rework season after season. Read on to find out which essential items you should invest in…

THE DENIM JACKET

Versatile and stylish, the denim jacket reappears on catwalks year after year. Light wash denim has been huge for a while now and makes a great choice for those looking to nail the summer vibe. Avoid jackets with statement prints or designs that could become dated easily for ultimate longevity.

THE COUNTRY JACKET

The casual country look has always been a signature style for discerning gentleman. Tweed, corduroy and wax all characterise this sophisticated look. While the high street may imitate this style, spending a little extra on the real deal could be an investment worth making.

Barbour jackets, available from Repertoire Fashion, are renowned for being premium-quality, practical and stylish, and are also a firm favourite with celebrities. A timeless quilted jacket is a must for moving from winter to spring and, knowing the unpredictable British weather, you’ll probably wear it a lot through summer too!

THE LEATHER JACKET

Leather jackets aren’t just a spring essential: they’re so versatile they can be worn all year round. Every woman should own a classic black leather jacket. Faux leather jackets are a great option for those working with a tight budget, although buying a genuine leather jacket is a good investment to make. Not only will it last longer than its PVC counterpart, the leather will age beautifully.

Leather can be quite warm, so it’s perfect for breezy spring days and summer evenings when the temperature starts to cool. In fact, as the guys at Apostl Leather Jacket tell us in their guide ”Are Leather Jackets Warm Enough For Winter”, as long as there’s decent lining, they most certainly are.

MAC’S

The Mac never seem to go out of style. They’re a classic, which means you may well already own one. If you don’t, then it’s time to invest; it’ll last you for years and is practical as well as stylish.

A design that won’t be going anywhere fast, mac coats look great in block colours, plaid patterns and in a number of different colours. Look out for navy, khaki or burgundy colours to really blend in with this season’s shades. Providing that flattering belted feature, trench coats are a must-have this winter.

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR EASY ROSEMARY CHICKEN BOULANGERE

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR EASY ROSEMARY CHICKEN BOULANGERE
ROSEMARY CHICKEN BOULANGERE

This dish makes an ideal simple but delicious winter supper that will be popular with the whole family. Fragrant rosemary really helps lift the dish and bring out the subtle citrus flavour provided by the lemon zest.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Prep: 15 minutes/ Cook: 45 minutes

1 tbsp olive oil

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1kg Maris Piper potatoes, thinly sliced

1 onion, sliced

1 x pot Rosemary, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

300ml chicken stock

Method

Preheat the oven to 200oC, gas mark 6.  Grease an ovenproof casserole dish.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken and garlic for 4-5 minutes.

Place 1/3 potatoes in the dish, top with half the chicken, onion, rosemary and lemon zest, season.  Lay another 1/3 of the potatoes on top and repeat the layers finishing with potatoes.  Pour over the stock and season well.

Cover and bake for 45 minutes, removing the lid for the last 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Cook’s tip

For a vegetarian option, remove the chicken and replace half the potato with sweet potato.

Where do you buy herbs from in the winter?

Pots of British grown, fresh herbs are available from Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, all year round

Visit www.freshlivingherbs.co.uk for more recipes and herb tips. 

5 TOP TIPS FOR THE IDEAL COVER LETTER

Rachel Stevenson
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5 TOP TIPS FOR THE IDEAL COVER LETTER

Naturally, we tend to assume that first impressions are made when we meet someone face-to-face, but for a jobseeker that moment comes with the cover letter. By the time you get to interview you’ve already impressed; they actually want to like you. Make a pig’s ear of your cover letter though and there’s no way you’ll get that chance.

Jim Harvey, recruitment specialist at MyJobMatcher.com, offers his top tips for making the best first impression with the ideal cover letter.

Audience

Think carefully about who you are writing to. Do your research and address your letter directly to a real person, with a name. Beginning with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ shows that you either haven’t read the brief thoroughly or couldn’t be bothered to find out the relevant details for yourself. And with that in mind, convention states that you should always end with ‘Yours sincerely’.

Tone

Don’t be too formal. Put the reader at ease by keeping your writing conversational and adopting a warm, personable tone. Say something in your head before you type it. If it sounds ok, the chances are it will read well.

Content

Now you have to consider why you’re writing. This might seem obvious, but it will determine what you write. There are three, distinct sections to a cover letter:

Introduction – Say who you are, the position that you’re applying for and where you saw it advertised.

Pitch – Fundamentally, this is the entire purpose of the cover letter and will make or break your chances of being shortlisted. Use the job and person specs to convince them that you’re worthy of an interview. Try and avoid overusing phrases like ‘I did’, ‘I was’ and ‘I am’ which can make you appear self-obsessed. Instead, try something along the lines of, “My experience with […] involved these skills that you have listed and here are some statistics that back that up.”

Quality over quantity is key – Present someone with a document that resembles a densely-worded, political manifesto and you might have stumbled upon a cure for insomnia, but it will be an instant turn off for most employers. Draw their attention to the hugely impressive CV that is included or attached and say that you look forward to hearing from them. By saying that, you imply that your expectation is nothing short of an interview. Sow that seed in the mind of the recipient and it becomes virtually impossible to dismiss a well-constructed application.

Proofread

Don’t press the send button or lick the envelope until you’ve read your letter at least three times. Then find someone to proofread it for you.Then leave it for at least two hours before you proofread it again with refreshed eyes.

Your likely too fall at the first hurdle bye making silly typo. (4 in that sentence.)

Electronic

If sending an email, put the job title and reference number in the subject line. You could attach your cover letter as a word document, but given that you’re trying to make an instant impression, why make them open something else?

And please use a professional email address and signature. If you are billy.nopants@iamalittlebitcrazy.co.uk, get another email account.

To access thousands of live jobs that are waiting for you right now visit www.myjobmatcher.com

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SOUSED AND SCORCHED MACKEREL

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SOUSED AND SCORCHED MACKEREL

Soused and Scorched Mackerel on toast with seaweed butter, raw radish and chilli gel

This dish utilises contrasting and complimentary elements at every turn – spicy and cooling; acerbic piquancy; salty, sweet, bitter and a little rich. There is soft against crunch and it’s fresh whilst also being smoky. Perfect.

A snack or light starter, this recipe serves two, with treats to spare.

The seaweed butter needs to set in the fridge, as does the chilli gel so make these first.

Seaweed butter

(makes more than enough, but is delicious emulsified into risottos, or simply on toast)

  • 250g unsalted butter, softened
  • A sheet of dried kombu
  • A handful of small, dried shrimp (preferably a Korean brand)
  • Half a European shallot, diced very finely
  • Half a clove of garlic, bitter green shoot remove, minced
  • Zest of a lime and a squeeze of its juice
  • Half a medium sized, medium heat red chilli, very finely diced
  • A pinch of coarse sea salt and some freshly ground black pepper
  1. Break up the kombu by hand into manageable pieces. In a food processor, blitz it with the dried shrimp so it is very fine, but not a dust.
  2. Mix well with all of the other ingredients and season to taste
  3. Roll in cling film into a cylinder shape and leave in the fridge to set

Chilli gel

  • 1 dried Mexican chipotle chilli, soaked in warm water for 20 minutes
  • 1 sweet red pepper
  • 100ml shellfish stock
  • 1g gellan gum
  • 0.1g xanthan gum
  1. Put the sweet red pepper under the grill or over an open flame and turn often until all sides are charred black, but have not gone over into silver.
  2. Put the charred pepper in a bowl and cover tightly with cling film, allowing it to steam and the skin the loosen.
  3. After 15 minutes, take the pepper out and the skin should peel off easily. Do this under running water if the skin is being stubborn.
  4. Remove the seeds and roughly chop the peeled pepper. Also roughly chop the soaked chipotle chilli.
  5. Place both pepper and chilli in a pan with the shellfish stock. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and cook through for 15 minutes.
  6. Blitz the mixture in a food processor. Pass through a sieve into a clean pan
  7. Mix the dry gums with a little salt and whisk into the pan of liquid. Bring to the boil (a temperature of 95°c is required), whisking constantly
  8. Pour into a bowl over iced water, the mixture will set
  9. Blitz again and pass into a squeezy bottle. Keep in the fridge until later.

Now, lightly pickle the fish.

Pickling liquor

(makes more than enough)

  • 100ml water
  • 50ml white wine vinegar
  • 50ml rice wine vinegar
  • 25ml mirin
  • 50g caster sugar
  • A star anise
  • A handful of cloves
  • A knob of ginger
  • Half an Asian shallot
  • 1 mackerel fillet, halved lengthways, removing the back bone
  1. Toast the dry aromats in a pan for roughly a minute, until they begin to release a fantastic fragrance.
  2. Transfer to a fresh pan with all of the other ingredients.
  3. Bring to the boil. Take off the heat and allow to cool slightly.
  4. While still warm, pour over the mackerel pieces, and leave to souse for 30 minutes. 

To serve

 2 thin slices of white bread, crusts removed and cut to the same size as your mackerel pieces

  1. Lightly fry the slices of bread in sesame oil
  2. Drain the toast on paper towel and spread on one side with seaweed butter
  3. Remove the mackerel from the pickling liquor and pat dry. With a blowtorch, lightly scorch the skin side of the fish, creating a few smoky bubbles for bursts of contrast.
  4. Place the toast on a plate, preferably with a contrasting colour to emphasise the colours of the dish. Lay the piece of scorched mackerel on the toast.
  5. Next to the fish on toast, add a small circle of chili gel.
  6. We garnish with some raw, thinly sliced radish for bitterness and freshness, and a little candied lemon for a sharp punch, but feel free to be creative.
  7. Enjoy

5 IDEAL WAYS TO BAG A BARGAIN ONLINE

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL WAYS TO BAG A BARGAIN ONLINE

 

We all love a bargain, don’t we? We will spend our time looking for restaurant vouchers when we go out to eat to ensure we save at least a few pennies and a 20% off tag is enough to tempt us to spend money we otherwise wouldn’t have. Not to mention Black Friday, when we will fight off anyone that stands between us and a bargain. In fact, this discount day – that was only introduced to the UK in 2010 – officially overtook the 26th December in 2014, as the UK’s biggest shopping day, with £810 million spent.   

There is something about getting money off that leaves us feeling not just pleased, but almost smug. So, with that in mind, here are five ways you can bag a bargain online:  

Use comparison websites  

For your bigger purchases, such as insurance and so on, a comparison website is often the best way to see and compare your options. But, just remember, the cheapest price isn’t always the best deal – so make sure you look into it carefully and understand exactly what you will be getting for your money,

Explore online marketplaces

Online marketplaces such as Freeads are home to countless bargains – here you will find cars, furniture and everything in-between. A lot of the items are second hand – but as the old saying goes: ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. You might just find that the perfect sofa is sat on there, for hundreds of pounds cheaper than in the shops. Plus, if it isn’t exactly what you are looking for but the price is right, you can always upcycle it and turn it into something new and unique.        

Cash back sites

Want to receive money for spending money? Of course you do! Cashback websites pay you when you click through them to a retailer and spend. Depending on what you are buying, the amount you receive can range from pennies to hundreds of pounds – but, it all adds up!

Vouchers/voucher codes

Before you buy anything online you should search to see if there are any voucher codes available. Sites such as Virgin Experience Days and Buyagift – which already offer you days out for less than the RRP, often have codes to make it even cheaper. But, not everyone knows to look for them! Take a look at sites such as My Voucher Codes, or simply type ‘buy a gift discount code’ into Google and you will see what is available. Choose the best one for you and then when you get to the till you will be offered the opportunity to enter the code.   

Consumer sites

Look at sites such as Which and Money Saving Expert, which will offer you tips and tricks on how to save money online – pointing you in the right direction of the bargains. They can also explain the best way to use cashback and comparison sites – to ensure you don’t get caught out thinking you have a bargain but in reality you are actually spending much more.  

3 IDEAL HOMEMADE ACNE-TREATMENT FACIALS

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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Banish blemishes by using tasty food items you can find you in kitchen.We love these Homemade Acne-Treatment Facials from Beautytips.com 

Tomato Mask:

Tomatoes contain the antioxidant compound lycopene, which is found in many over-the-counter products used to fight acne. Cut a tomato in half and massage it into your skin (do not do this on open blemishes because it may sting). Let it dry and then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Apple and Honey Mask:

Apples contain antioxidants that are good for the skin, while honey has properties that make it a mild exfoliant and moisturizer. Grate an apple and mix with two teaspoons of honey. Apply this mixture to any blemishes and leave on for 10 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Watermelon Mask:

Another fruit that contains the skin-friendly antioxidant compound lycopene is watermelon, which also works as an exfoliant. Take a small piece of watermelon and mash the flesh into a pulp. Apply the pulp to your entire face and let it dry. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

 

5 IDEAL REASONS TO SLEEP WELL

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL REASONS TO SLEEP WELL

Dr Sally Norton, NHS weight loss consultant & surgeon and Founder of  www.vavistalife.com, reveals why it’s important to sleep well!

Tiredness from lack of sleep doesn’t just make it hard to function the next day. Sleep problems like insomnia can increase our risk of health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression. Being tired also reduces will-power making it harder to lose weight and keep up healthier behaviours.

Here are five great reasons to get a really good kip……

Sleep yourself slim

Studies have shown a link between the quality of our sleep and our waistlines.

When we have a bad night’s sleep it seems to decrease the body’s hormone that regulates appetite – leaving our hunger levels at an all-time high. But it gets worse – we not only feel hungrier, but research shows that we specifically reach for high-calorie/high-fat foods, in an attempt to boost our energy levels that have been left depleted by poor sleep.

Be a safer driver

It’s no surprise that people who are sleep deprived are more likely to nod off at the wheel and have a greater risk of car accidents. Sleep apnoea, often associated with being overweight, is a condition where people wake up frequently at night, often keeping their partners awake with their snoring too, and then fall asleep during the day from exhaustion. If you recognise this pattern, chat to your GP as it can be treated, reducing your risk of accidents – but of high blood pressure, heart disease and other problems too.

Reduce your risk of dementia

It seems that there is a link between poor sleep and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists think that sleep provides time for the brain fluid to wash away the proteins that are associated with these problems – so aim for around 7-8 hours a night to let your brain catch up with the housekeeping!

Beauty sleep isn’t a myth

We all feel worse after a bad night’s sleep but hope that a touch more make-up, dark glasses or even a smile may disguise it. Not true, I’m afraid! Studies show that poor sleep really does show in our face and can be picked up by others – who find us less attractive than when we are well rested. What’s more, when we are sleep deprived we find it more difficult to interpret the emotions of others –which could land us in a tricky social situation.

Reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes

Sleep of less than 5 hours a night may more than double your risk of type 2 diabetes an increasingly common problem which can lead to further complications of its own as well as require dietary restrictions and long-term medication. Poor sleep can lead to increased blood pressure, which is associated with strokes and heart attacks too.

So, aiming for 7-8 hours of restful sleep a night could help in these and numerous other ways. We may feel we are too busy to spare the time for another hour or two in bed…..but fear not. It seems that people who get adequate sleep tend to live longer – so we will have lots more time in the long run!

IDEAL TEAM LEADING: NEW CHALLENGES AFTER A PROMOTION

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL TEAM LEADING: NEW CHALLENGES AFTER A PROMOTION

There comes a time where all the hard work you’ve put in, the late nights, the early mornings, and all the weekends, finally pays off. You get offered a promotion. You feel that you have finally started to make a difference in your company and you are going up the ranks from the standard worker to a line manager or team leader, and it is great.

The challenges you will face now are completely different to your day-to-day ones in your old job, and this is where everything changes. So what is the difference, professionally and personally, between the old life and the new one? After all, a lot of people who make the change from worker to manager talk about the way people now view them, not as an equal anymore, but a “boss” or superior figure. What are the ways to overcome these hurdles?

Assess your new role

The best place to begin is to assess your own role as a leader. This can be done in different ways, from taking your team one by one to discuss with them the duties you now have to undertake, to your own sense of examination in how to better equip yourself in your new role. If you feel that you need to better equip yourself in taking on a new role where you are overseeing people rather than working side by side, it can be a bitter pill to swallow.

Additional training

Speak to your HR department and see if there is additional training you can undertake, or you can speak to outsourced companies like Ellis Whittam which provide management training.

Use your knowledge

The difference in running a team is that you need a more acute sense of how you handle the staff, and this can be quite a transition, especially if you know that your team is capable of doing the work handed to them. You have the best perspective on the situation because you were once where they are.

A lack of empathy is something that workers often use as a reason for issues with their line manager, and this can create a gulf in working relationships. Staff members cite the notion of “do what I say, not as I do” and this is Ineffective Leading 101. So why don’t you use this skill? You understand the pressures faced by your department so you can use this to your advantage.

The peril in perspective of this ilk is that you can potentially try to maintain a sense of “I’m still one of you” mentality, and this is extremely dangerous for you and for your staff because this is not the case anymore. The quicker you realize this, the better it is for everyone.

Be a leader

You have to be a leader, and being a leader comes with personality traits that can be met with an affront by staff, or they can be digested and understood so you can all move on together. The best approach to take is to make each member of staff aware of what you expect of them and what they expect of you. It isn’t a one-way transaction, as you have responsibilities to your staff. A trait of feeling unsatisfactory towards your work in a menial role is because you have no worth in what your role entails, and this is a way to help staff members help grow with you. A member of staff needs to feel valued, and, again, the sense of perspective you can bring is a nugget of gold to encourage staff members to be part of a cog in a very important wheel.

Define roles

Each person will then work with more productivity as you are clearly defining their role for them. Your role is, understandably, more complex than before. You need to be a leader, mediator, and confidante, as well as understand new processes and legislations, and these have to be switched on and off as and when needed. Your staff and you are symbiotic, and this is what will make your team a successful one.

The final point to make when it comes to being in charge of a group of people whom you once worked alongside is that these things all take time. You cannot expect people to accept your role overnight. Understanding that you will hit roadblocks along the way is part of the job, and you have been made a team leader because you are able to handle these snags. You need to maintain a sense of professionalism, and by following these ideas, you will work to improve your team, and more importantly, yourself in this new role.  

IDEAL WAYS TO: LIGHT UP YOUR KITCHEN SPACE

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL WAYS TO: LIGHT UP YOUR KITCHEN SPACE

Lighting isn’t always top priority when designing a new kitchen – but it should be. Get the lighting wrong, and your kitchen will be a dingy and dull space that no one wants to socialise in. Get it right and you can transform your kitchen into a space that’s multifunctional, bright and fit for all occasions. Bespoke kitchen experts, Harvey Jones have stacks of advice to help you get the lighting just right in your kitchen.

There are three main reasons you’ll want great lighting in your kitchen: for tasks, to create a mood, and then of course, the general lighting of the space.  

Using several sources of light helps to create a layered effect, creating the perfect mood for any occasion. Most kitchens will benefit from some form of ceiling light, which will illuminate the whole space. Spotlights are a good source of light and can come in two forms: warm or cool LED spots. Before deciding which is best, you should consider how much natural light the kitchen will be exposed to. Cool lighting is bright and whiter and perfect for spaces that are lacking in natural light but can feel a little stark, while warm spots provide a gentler light.

If you want to create a central focus or feature in the kitchen, hanging pendants above a dining table of island are a great idea. You can hang several at different heights for an eye-catching focal point. They are best hung in odd numbers so that one pendant is always central. However, plan ahead to ensure the wiring is in the correct place and that you won’t be moving your table. The last thing you want is a pendant hanging over an empty space.

Incorporating lights below cupboards will improve visibility when prepping and cooking food. Appliances with integral lighting will also help this.

You can add decorative and mood lighting in a similar way; under islands and below plinths will create an illusion that they are floating whilst also illuminating the floor. They give a subtle glow which contribute to mood. Using colour changing LED strips means you can change the lighting to create the best vibes for the occasion.

 

4 OF THE BEST CAMPING & GLAMPING SPOTS IN FRANCE

Rachel Stevenson
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4 OF THE BEST CAMPING & GLAMPING SPOTS IN FRANCE

With the appetite for camping and glamping continuing to grow beyond the UK, the experts behind the UK’s best-selling Cool Camping guidebook series have returned with an updated version of Cool Camping: France.

This is a handy glovebox companion for those interested in discovering some of France’s newest and most interesting glamping and camping sites. The guys behind the book have shared 4 of the best spots in France with us:

Le Monteil Revolution, Auvergne

Opening in the valleys of Central France this spring, Le Monteil Revolution is perfect for those after rural relaxation with two luxuriously furnished domes. The exclusive leafy smallholding, open year round, has an ancient stone circle, now used as a ‘zen area’ plus an outdoor, log-fired bathtub hidden in the woods but with tree-splintered views across the valley. There are plenty of walks from the doorstep or get lost in the world’s biggest hedge maze, a ten-minute drive away.

Camping Merry Sur Yonne, Bourgogne

Beneath a castle on the banks of the River Yonne, this well priced family site opened under new ownership last year after refurbishing its facilities and site. It offers no-frills camping inside the river’s meander, mostly populated by tents, campervans, caravans and a couple of modern glamping pods. Lazy days are spent on the water (paddling, pedalo-ing or hiring a canal boat), visiting local vineyards or tackling the Roches du Saussois limestone cliffs- a Mecca for rock climbers.

La Jaurie, Limousin, Central France

Set high on a hill overlooking enchanting woodlands and a meandering river, this 8.5 acre site boasts a collection of ancient buildings, barns and a camping field bordered by bushes, walnut trees and harvested beehives. Camping is accompanied by the sound of cowbells ringing in the distance, with activities such as painting, yoga, cycling the voie verte ex-railwaytrack and even panning for gold. Guests can also lend a hand renovating the old farm buildings, using traditional methods and materials.

Country Camping, Midi-Pyrénées

This family run site in the sunny South of France is set within driving distance of the Pyrénées but resides in the flatter foothill landscape, ideal for quiet family cycle rides through sunflower fields. The site has a rustic charm, with 20 grass pitches amongst cherry and peach trees, plus a swimming pool and impromptu giant jenga tournaments. Those looking for something a little more luxurious can try one of three fully furnished safari tents or a wooden bijou chalet.

The definitive Cool Camping: France book (out 13th March 2017, £16.95) is sure to become a channel-hopping campers’ favourite. Available at all good book stores, or online at www‌.co‌o‌l‌camping.com

5 IDEAL BEACH RIDEAWAYS

Rachel Stevenson
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5 IDEAL BEACH RIDEAWAYS

If you’re fed up with a cherished week of sun, sea and sand whizzing past in an overheated hire car, why not jump on a bike and cruise tranquil country lanes to the coast? With 2017 marking 200 years of the bicycle, it’s the perfect excuse to embrace slow travel on your next break. To help, boutique accommodation website i-escape has introduced a new ‘Beach Rideaways’ collection which brings together superb places to stay that offer free bikes, all located near glorious beaches.

The collection has options to suit couples and families of all tastes and budgets, including an Algarve farmhouse hotel that’s just a short pedal from the unspoilt sands of the Ria Formosa National Park, a micro-resort close to the beaches of the Languedoc in France, and a remote retreat on a peaceful Greek island.

First up, the European ‘Beach Rideaways’:

Pensao Agricola, Algarve

This stylish farmhouse hotel which opened in 2015 has just 6 exquisite rooms, all with whitewashed walls, statement lights and a chic mix of vintage furniture and quirky touches. The free bikes mean you can cycle to the Ria Formosa’s deserted beaches, grab a pastel de nata in a beautiful clifftop fishing village, and then return to delicious 5-course tasting menus served by flickering candlelight. For days away from the saddle, there’s a small pool to laze around, shaded gardens to read in, and 2 friendly resident donkeys to meet.

From £121 per night, based on 2 people sharing a Standard Double Room on a B&B basis.

www.i-escape.com

Font Santa Hotel, Mallorca

It’s only a 10-minute ride by free bike from the adults-only Font Santa Hotel to glittering Es Trenc, one of Mallorca’s best beaches. This stunning arc of white sand is flanked by turquoise sea and backed by a nature reserve that’s home to more than 1,700 species of bird. The cycling here is flat and gentle, but should your muscles start to ache there’s a thermal spa whose 38-degree, mineral-rich water is drawn from Mallorca’s only natural hot springs. It powers a circuit with individual baths, an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi and a vaporium – perfect for weary legs. Afterwards, head to the gourmet restaurant for the likes of traditional suckling pig, monkfish with a shellfish sauce and lemongrass sorbet with saffron syrup.

From £164 per night, based on 2 people sharing a Double Room with Patio on a B&B basis.

www.i-escape.com

Levendis Estate, Ithaca, Greece

To help you embrace the slower pace of Greek island life, this remote retreat on Odysseus’ mythical homehas 10 mountain bikes of various sizes to borrow – perfect for couples and families who want to recharge their batteries with picnics and gentle beach exploration. There are 4 rustic cottages, along with sweeping sea views, a cliffside infinity pool and an overwhelming sense of escapism. Wander through the terraced grounds (perfumed with sage, rosemary and thyme), tuck into seasonal organic goodies plucked straight from the garden, and drift off with an alfresco aromatherapy massage in a shady glade. You can self-cater or, if you really want to chill out, organise for meals to be delivered to your door.

From £314 per night, based on 2 people sharing a Cottage on a self-catering basis (7-night minimum stay).

www.i-escape.com

Imagine Rousillon, France

This Languedoc micro-resort is holiday heaven for families who like to cycle – as well as jump on a trampoline, fly down a zip wire and more! It offers all the benefits of a big resort (babysitting, a kids’ club, free kit to borrow) but on a smaller scale, with accommodation for just 4 families at any one time. There are bikes to borrow for exploring local beaches, and even the most reluctant kids will take to 2 wheels when they hear about the local pizza van down the road. Also available are free fitness and Pilates classes, massages and 2 heated pools.

From £230 per night, based on 2-4 people sharing Buzzard Apartment on a self-catering basis (7-night minimum stay). Also included are a staffed kids’ club (6 days a week); 1 takeaway pizza and wine night; a babysitter (Tuesday nights) and evening kids’ club (Thursday nights) so you can go out; use of the pool and gym; bikes (options for all ages); and maid service (alternate days in low season, daily in high season). 

www.i-escape.com

Borgo Egnazia, Puglia

This parent-pleasing paradise in Puglia provides free bikes and a plethora of other activities. While it’s one of i-escape’s larger hotels, it certainly isn’t short on style and charm. Rooms are Conran-esque, with limestone interiors, white walls, taupe linens and flickering lanterns; outside are vast pools, tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course. Explore walled lanes and age-old olive groves, or head to the beach club at Cala Masciola, just a 10-minute cycle away. Back at base there are restaurants serving gourmet food, plus a wood-fired pizzeria, a crèche, kids’ and teens’ clubs, and a blissful spa.

 From £149 per night (20% off), based on 2 people sharing a Borgo Splendida Room on an accommodation-only basis. This is the discounted price if booked by 31st March 2017; the standard price is £186 per night.

www.i-escape.com

If you fancy cycling in tropical climes, then head further afield to these ‘Beach Rideaways’ in Latin America and Asia:

The Harmony Hotel and Latitude 10, Costa Rica

Both of these Pacific-side hotels have bikes to borrow for cycles along long, sandy beaches.

www.i-escape.com/the-harmony-hotel

https://www.i-escape.com/latitude-10-resort

Vivenda dos Palhacos, Goa

There are bikes to borrow, and it’s only a short distance from one of Goa’s loveliest white-sand beaches.https://www.i-escape.com/vivenda-dos-palhacos

Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam

You’ll find bikes to borrow outside each villa, and there are beaches all around.

https://www.i-escape.com/six-senses-con-dao

Villa Don Hendrick, Sri Lanka

There are plenty of beaches within a few km, plus free bikes for guests.

https://www.i-escape.com/villa-don-hendrick

For a full lisiting of all i-escape.com properties offering free bike rental go to https://www.i-escape.com/bicycle

 

4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO THROW A STUDENT PARTY

Rachel Stevenson
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4 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO THROW A STUDENT PARTY

As a student with independence in terms of money and a home away from your parents, there’s likely only one thing on your mind: education. Oh, wait, we mean partying. The former is the one thing on your parents’ minds. Of course, we’re not advocating that you ignore your essays or revision for your upcoming exams, but an important element of college or university is socialising with others and having a bit of fun in these new surroundings. This is an experience, and you should certainly be experiencing it to the fullest.

What this all means is that, if you’re going to party, you should be doing it properly. You’ve got limited funds and limited chances to live it large before the hefty work starts pouring in, so you need to grasp every opportunity to socialise and go wild (responsibly, of course) with both hands. With this in mind, here are 4 IDEAL tips on how to throw a student party. 

LIE ABOUT THE START TIME

This is a nifty little trick for those of you who know from first hand experience that student parties often suffer from a sparse and mostly silent crowd for the first hour or so. To remedy this, you should lie about the start time of the evening’s festivities, so that when people think they’re turning up “late” they’re actually turning up on time. Tell them it starts at 7pm if it actually starts at 9.  If you have friends that turn up too early, however, perhaps the reverse is in order; tell them it starts later than it does, so as to allow yourself time to get ready.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

If you’re going to splash your cash on a great sound system and drinks for the party you’re about to throw, then that means you’ve got to be sensible and save your money in other ways. It’s tempting to go a little wild now you have your student loan, but financial independence is about knowing how to make that money last until the next installment. You might want a huge and expensive party today, but you’ll be crying tomorrow when you’ve nothing left for basic necessities such as shampoo or bread to make a sandwich.

The key to throwing a great party is to not spend money on stupid things when you could’ve spent that same money on something expensive that you actually needed. This means getting all the food for the party from a supermarket rather than the Domino’s down the road. A big night with a heap of guests will always cost you a fair bit of money, but there are ways to shed off a substantial number of costs if you just plan ahead and shop around for the cheapest options possible. 

HOW TO PARTY PROPERLY IF YOU’RE A GUEST

Being a guest at a student party can be a bit of a daunting experience, especially if you only know a few people attending and you want to make an impression on all the new people you’re about to meet. Sure, you could bring a cheap pack of cider and hand out a few drinks, but it doesn’t hurt to go to the next level. You could look into prosecco gift baskets, as these are a great way to splash out and say “let’s celebrate tonight in style!” People certainly won’t have any complaints about receiving a fancy gift, and you’ll be sure to make a mark early on in the party. You’ll be known as the heroic guest who brought the room to life with their overly-generous interpretation of “BYOB”.

SECURTIY

Whilst you want to have fun during your party, it helps to screw on your sensible head before the evening truly gets underway. You might be meeting a lot of new people at this event, but some of them won’t be as trustworthy or respectful as others. That’s all part of the university and college experience; you meet all kinds of people. Of course, it’s better to not learn that lesson the hard way. Ensure all room doors are locked so that nobody’s possessions are stolen or damaged during the course of the house party you’re throwing.

IDEAL STYLE GUIDE: HOW TO DRESS FOR MARBELLA

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL STYLE GUIDE: HOW TO DRESS FOR MARBELLA

Marbella is without a doubt one of the hottest and most glamorous spots for the sun. A regular destination for celebrities and the cast of The Only Way Is Essex, you’ll need to pull out your best fashion favourites to stand out from the crowd.

But what should you pack? Join designer footwear retailer, Daniel Footwear, as they outline the fashion essentials you should pack if you are planning to party amongst the celebs in Puerto Banus.

Poolside at Ocean Beach Club

You haven’t done Marbella properly if you haven’t attended a VIP pool party – and Ocean Club is the top destination if you want to soak up the rays whilst spraying champagne with the girls. The must-visit beach club is home to some great DJs that create chill-out vibes by day, before cranking up the volume for a party atmosphere by night.

You’ll need to up the ante when it comes to dress-code. Leave your standard bikini and flip flops back in the hotel room, and bring your glam swimsuit out to play. Think monochrome, bold prints and embellishments. Go all out with your swimsuit – you want to stand out. Cut-out detailing will help to wow your fellow party-goers and an elegant kaftan will add to your luxe look.

Glam doesn’t stop there; you’ll need to finish your beach outfit with a fabulous pair of shoes. Chic wedges are perfect to partner with a swimsuit whilst you strut around the poolside. If you’re not one for heels, opt for a pair of heavily embellished sandals. And, of course, don’t forget your designer shades and statement jewellery.

Night out with the girls

When the sun sets and the moon comes out to play, the glamour moves up another notch. Marbella’s biggest cocktail bars and nightclubs are full with glitz and glamour so you want to make sure you stand out for the right reasons. Whether you’re partying under the stars at Pangea’s rooftop terrace or dancing the night away at Funky Buddha, it’s important to get your evening look just right.

There is no such thing as casual on a night out in Marbella, so think glamour always. A chic dress is a great way to survive the heat, whilst looking effortlessly chic. Always pair with heels – leave your flats at home. Go for dramatic eye make-up, and some statement jewellery and you’ll be ready to hit any bar.

Shopping in Puerto Banus

You just won’t know where to start when it comes to Marbella’s designer boutiques. Featuring fashion heavyweights like Hermes, Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton, every shopaholic should find shade from an afternoon of sunbathing in these exclusive stores.

The shops are no exception to a dress-code. Beach and swimwear should be left behind – instead opt for a flowing maxi dress and big wedges for the perfect combination. Wear with some statement jewellery and you’ll stay cool while oozing glamour.

Whether you’re heading to a pool party, sipping cocktails with friends or enjoying a spot of retail therapy, you’ll need to pull out some of your best fashion investments – but make sure you remember to pack these Marbella essentials in your case:

  • Designer shades
  • Wedge sandals
  • Statement jewellery
  • Chic kaftan

 

 

IDEAL WAYS ON HOW TO TURN A PIGSTY INTO A HAVEN

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL WAYS ON HOW TO TURN A PIGSTY INTO A HAVEN

 

It’s so easy for a home to start looking like a complete and utter miss. When you purchase the property, it’s stylish, trendy and modern. It’s clean, cool and contemporary. After a few years living there, though, there’s clutter all over the place, far too much furniture, and everything looks out of style. It’s time to get your home on track and make it look like your dream place to live once more.

Purchase Storage Units

If you have kids, you might want to think about purchasing a few plastic storage units for your home. Even if you don’t this might be an option worth considering. It will mean that you can put more things away and keep your home clean and clear.

Consider A Renovation

Alternatively, you may want to think about a complete renovation of your home. A popular home design right now is the open plan. By knocking out the walls, you create large, open spaces in your property. By doing this, you can make sure your property looks modern and stylish. It will cost you quite a lot of money, though.

Declutter The Place

Perhaps the reason that your home looks cramped and crowded is because you have too many belongings. You might be a little bit of a hoarder with gadgets and gizmos filling drawers and cupboards. If that’s the case, you might want to think about getting rid of some of the rubbish. For instance, you can recycle old tech like mobile phones and tablets. Find out how to do this by reading the fascinating infographic below

Infographic Produced By infographic about E-waste and recycling

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